The proliferation of private schools coincides with the fact that the country’s government cannot bear the burden of providing quality education to its citizens through public schools; thus, private schools have sprung up in every corner of the country to serve as an alternative to public schools. Just like many other countries around the world, the Nigerian education system comprises both public and private institutions. Over the past few decades, private schools have played an increasingly significant role in shaping the educational landscape of Nigeria. Nigeria’s educational system has its roots in the colonial era, when mission schools were established by various religious organisations. These mission schools can be seen as the precursors to modern private schools. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the government took a more active role in education, leading to the establishment of numerous public schools.
However, due to various challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and declining standards, private schools began to emerge as a viable alternative for quality education.
The growth of private schools in Nigeria has been remarkable. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the number of private schools in Nigeria has increased significantly over the past few decades. According to Statista, in 2019, there were 55,004 elementary private schools in Nigeria. As of 2020, there were over 100,000 registered private schools in Nigeria. This growth is attributed to several factors. Many parents, disillusioned by the poor state of public schools, seek better educational opportunities for their children. Private schools, often perceived as offering superior-quality education, cater to this demand. Also, Nigeria’s burgeoning population has led to increased demand for educational facilities. Private schools have stepped in to fill the gap left by public schools. With the rise of the middle class in Nigeria, more families can afford to send their children to private schools. The economic boom in certain regions has also facilitated the establishment of more private institutions. Various government policies and initiatives have encouraged the participation of private entities in the education sector. For instance, policies that promote public-private partnerships in education have spurred the growth of private schools.
According to the world bank report 2022, Nigerian Private schools consistently performed better than public schools across all indicators.
The report said, “Private schools consistently performed better than public schools across all indicators. A notable distinction was in their management of human resources. Absence from school in public schools was more than double the absence rate among private school teachers: 16 versus 6 percent.”
According to the survey, private school teachers were also more likely to be in class and, as a result, spent more time in class on instructional activities than public school teachers.
Additionally, private schools have a longer scheduled teaching time per day than public schools. The report said “on a typical day, pupils in private schools learned 1 hour 10 minutes more than pupils in public schools. Over a period of a school term, this translates to 22 additional days of learning in a private school compared to public schools.”
Private schools performed better than public schools in terms of input availability and competency, but they nevertheless performed poorly generally. The report said,“Availability of infrastructure was three times higher in private schools. Still, only 35 percent of private schools had the minimum combination of infrastructure. The same applied to teacher competency, where the average assessment score was 11 percentage points higher in private schools, yet it was only a disappointing 42 percent.”
Private schools in Nigeria are known for their emphasis on quality education. They often offer better infrastructure, more qualified teachers, and a more conducive learning environment compared to many public schools. Private schools are often at the forefront of adopting innovative teaching methods and technologies. They incorporate modern teaching aids, interactive learning, and digital tools that enhance the educational experience. Many private schools also make use of more diverse and comprehensive curricula that go beyond the standard national curriculum. This includes international curricula such as the British or American systems, which provide students with a global perspective.
Private schools generally attract well-qualified and motivated teachers by offering competitive salaries and better working conditions. This results in higher teaching standards and better student performance. Also, it is often believed that students from private schools perform better in national examinations compared to their counterparts in public schools. This is a testament to the quality of education provided by private institutions.
Private schools play a crucial role in addressing educational gaps in Nigeria. In many rural and underserved areas, private schools provide access to education where public schools are either non-existent or inadequate. They help bridge the educational gap between urban and rural areas.
Private schools do more when it comes to offering specialised education catering to various needs, such as special needs education, vocational training, and arts education. This diversity in educational offerings ensures that different learning needs and interests are met.
Despite their contributions, private schools in Nigeria face several challenges. The cost of attending private schools is the first limitation for many families. This creates a socio-economic divide, where only those who can afford it have access to quality education. Parents who cannot afford the payment for private schools end up sending their children to public schools or low standard private schools.
While many private schools maintain high standards, there are also numerous substandard institutions that operate without proper oversight. Ensuring consistent quality across all private schools remains a challenge. Private schools often navigate complex regulatory frameworks. Obtaining licenses, adhering to educational standards, and maintaining compliance can be cumbersome and costly.
The future of private schools in Nigeria looks promising, provided certain measures are taken to address the existing challenges. Continued support from the government in terms of favourable policies, subsidies, and incentives can help private schools thrive. Public-private partnerships can also be explored to enhance educational outcomes. Also, establishing stringent quality control measures and regular monitoring can ensure that all private schools maintain high educational standards. Accreditation bodies can play a pivotal role in this regard.
